Thin Client PCs

[shakilabanu]

We have a requirement at work, where in we need desktop computers that are

1. Low cost
2. Low Power
3. Small size

and the priority is also in that order. These will be used for applications like

1. General internet, google apps like google docs etc.
2. Presentations - Audio video, power point, PDF etc
3. If possible MS office
4. Preferably running some windows version.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

 

[Cerb]

Windows and thin clients saving money is a pipe dream. The licensing will eat up the saved hardware costs, and the thin clients won't be as cheap as you'd think, nor the server(s) running them. Thin clients save space, but their main advantage is management: a few clicks to go back in time to an older/clean image, no worries about a local HDD dying, and to allow anyone to log on to their desktop from any computer.

Lenovo's E and M AIOs and microdesktops look to me pretty good deals, for what you're after.

 

[shakilabanu]

Windows is optional... I am not particular about windows.

 

[shakilabanu]

On second thought I guess I got the term wrong... I am not necessarily looking for a thin client. Just a low cost, low power computer capable to doing those things.

 

[stinger608]

I might have a solution depending on some questions:

How many units are you in need of?

The company must have some kind of a budget in mind per unit. What is that budget per unit?

If you don't feel comfortable discussing budget and such in this thread your welcome to shoot me a PM.

EDIT: I will be out of the office for a few hours this afternoon, so if you do PM me I WILL respond as soon as I return.

EDIT 2: Also, quick specs on these systems are:
APEX MI-008 Black Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply
Intel D525MW MB
Crucial 2GB DDR3 SODIMM
WD 250GB Blue 3.5" drive

 

[Fardringle]

These come with Windows 8, 4GB RAM, and wireless

These have a significantly better CPU but don't include RAM, Wireless, or an operating system (so you could use Linux or would need to buy Windows licenses).

 

[piasabird]

Good Luck at work everyone at my location usually has an i-5 with windows 7. However, we have a lot of employees so we have a contract with Microsoft for their Office suite So employees can also order a copy to use at home if they don't have a mobile device like a laptop. Then we use a web based portal so it is pretty easy to see your E-mail on the outlook web client just using a browser.

Hardly anyone has a need for a video card so we use a CPU with an IGP. You might be able to use an i-3 in a pinch. I have an i-3 4330 at home and I use it as an HTPC to watch TV. Some people are using an i-3 with a CSM (Corporate Stable Motherboard).

 

[Cerb]

Core i3s are quite fine. The cost difference just tends to be small to go with an i5, and there's usually a preconfigured i5+8GB option, so it's simpler to get an i5 office box than figure out if each personal actually might need an i5 or not. If the line being bought has no preconfigured i3 option, it might even be more expensive to get an i3, since you'd lose some discounts.

 

[John Connor]

You don't want a Thin Client. I had one (plan on changing to a PATA SSD) and it was not that fast and the HDD went out. Not meant for writing to that is why there is a write protect feature that is on by default. What you want is a nettop. I replaced my Then Client with a Dell mini 9 netbook. Not too fast, but gets the job done for Internet browsing and caller ID logging and intercepting bill collectors and telemarketers. I use a program called Phone Tray with a Dial-up Data/Fax/Voice caller ID capable modem.

I'd buy this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-6ghz-Sile...0873641130?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item2ec50084aa

 

[WelshBloke]

You don't want a Thin Client. I had one ... and the HDD went out

 

[Cerb]

You don't want a Thin Client. I had one (plan on changing to a PATA SSD) and it was not that fast and the HDD went out.

Thin clients almost always have soldered-on flash, just enough for the local OS and basic configuration. Some old ones had CF slots inside, but PATA?

Also, not being fast is only a problem for heavy video work. Even RDP-style thin clients are fine, on GbE, doing basically anything but editing videos, playing 3D games, etc. (because all they are doing is rendering, and sending back user inputs).

I don't think the OP really wants thin clients, either, as they shift the costs more than reduce them, but the speed of the thin client should have little to no effect on the experience of using it.

 

[John Connor]

The flash drive in my HP thin client wasn't soldered. It was a PATA connection and I can add a 2.5" drive.

The flash drives are never meant for too many writes and since I had a TS server and hosting torrents the flash drive licked the bucket.

 

[sm625]

If you want low cost then you dont want to be looking at low power and low size. The most cost effective solution would be a pallet of off-lease mini towers.

 

[shakilabanu]

These come with Windows 8, 4GB RAM, and wireless

These have a significantly better CPU but don't include RAM, Wireless, or an operating system (so you could use Linux or would need to buy Windows licenses).

Thanks for the links. I started with them and then one thing lead to another and I ended up looking at Intel NUC kits.

http://www.amazon.in/INTEL-NUC-GENE..._sbs_pc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1S7G6X8JXWTDVY22DC9K

like this one here. I think they should be okay for my requirement. Dint know Intel had such products.

 

[Fardringle]

The Intel NUC is a pretty nice base machine, but doesn't really fit your first requirement (1. Low Cost) which is why I didn't include it in my suggestions. But it is not a bad choice if it works with your available budget.

 

[shakilabanu]

Yes they are a bit beyond the budget, but then the other features make me consider pushing the budget. Thanks again.